I do not know who Bill Riepl is, but he sounds like a very evil person. Ron-san has been studying photography for several years, and every time I complementing his photographs, he is never happy. He says something like, "These pictures do not come close to Riepl's." And he pouts like a little boy. Today I gathered my courage and asked him who is Mr. Riepl, and why does he bother you so much.

Ron-san directed me to the Stylophylesonline.com website, and now I understand. The photographs on this site are dreamy. They make me want to pick up the pens. Naturally, I couldn't say this to Ron-san, but I think he agrees completely. I've never seen any pen photographs that compare with Ripel's. I couldn't help it. I asked Ron-san why he couldn't take photographs that nice. He said that he hadn't made any deals with the devil. To be fair, and to answer many e-mail questions, Ron-san took the photographs of me on this site, and I was happy that he didn't make me look too chubby.

Today I read several reports on the Chicago pen show at Pentrace.com. One article told of a man who carried a Parker Aztec with him. I do not know what this pen looks like. Ron-san tried to describe it to me. What I found shocking was the value of this pen. Over $40,000. Sugoi!

Dear Readers,

Love,

Meg.